Type B-4 Life Preserver Vest

The St. Lo Collection., 1994.001.0601

Inflatable life preservers worn around the neck and over the chest, like this one, were most commonly referred to as “Mae Wests,” in reference to the vaudeville star Mae West's buxom physique. Cartridges of carbon dioxide were used to fill up the bright yellow rubberized cloth vests in the case of a crash over open water.